Boating basics

Before you dive head first into the world of boat ownership, ask yourself a few questions that will help you focus on the kind of Boat you will need. How will you use the boat? Will you be fishing, water skiing, cruising, taking day trips, weekend trips or weeklong excursions? When, and how often, will the boat be used? Do you Boat year-round or only seasonally? How much can you afford to Spend? Don't forget the initial cost of purchase is just the Beginning.

Boat shows may be the best place to look for boats and related products and services. That's because shows allow you to comparison shop to your heart's content.

Cost is, of course, a subjective matter, but here are some general examples of average prices for three different types of boats. A 17 -to- 19-foot outboard-powered family runabout will be in the 8 -to- 18 thousand-dollar range.

The key to avoiding hassles and getting a great price when buying a boat is comparison-shopping. You need to get new boat dealers to bid competitively for your business.

You've found the right boat, but there's one question... What if it's a lemon? You'll never know for sure unless you test-drive it. But will a dealer allow you to do that? Well, some dealers don't make it easy.

One of the most important aspects in making the right choice is not just choosing the right boat, but also the right dealer. Remember the dealer that sells the boat will be your partner for advice and service.

When dealing with boat insurance it's important to remember several key points. First, you'll need to find an agent who's familiar with marine insurance.

There's a lot to consider when you're thinking about getting a boat. Who will use the boat? Will it be family or friends? This may have a bearing on the size.

Once you've considered your price range and the activities you'll be using your boat for, you'll be able to decide on the type of used boat you need. When you find a boat you're interested in you'll need to have it inspected.

Everyone has their own individual style of boating and one of the basic determinations you'll have to make is to decide if you prefer a power- boat, a sailboat, or a fishing boat.